ODKF

White Throated KF

ODKF - The Jewel of Konkan

ODKF, The Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx erithaca) also known as the Black-backed Kingfisher or Three-toed Kingfisher is a species of bird in the Alcedinidae family. This is a small, red and yellow kingfisher, averaging 13 cm (5.1 in) in length, yellow underparts with glowing bluish-black upperparts. This is a widespread resident of lowland forest, endemic across much of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
The preferred habitat is small streams in densely shaded forests. In the Konkan region of southwest India, it begins to breed with the onset of the Southwest Monsoon in June. The nest is a horizontal tunnel up to a metre in length. The clutch of 4-5 eggs hatches in 9-10 days with both the male and female incubating. The birds fledge after another 9 days and a second brood may be raised if the first fails. The young are fed with geckos, skinks, crabs, snails, frogs, crickets and dragonflies.
Known as the "Jewel of Konkan" as it nests in that region and the sighting is good after the first south west monsoon showers. One needs to travel all the way to the western ghats to capture this tiny jewel and it requires loads of patience and perseverance. We used to wait there from 8AM to 6PM inside our hide with pounding rain, dark clouds and low light conditions. But end of the day, a glimpse of this rainbow coloured beauty would refill our energy levels and make the entire experience very sweet :)

Pied Kingfisher

Collared Kingfisher

Black-Capped Kingfisher

Finally - All the hard work and patience paid off. It was intense test of patience as we had to move very slowly without any movement or noise.. This guy is otherwise very skittish and moves off at the slightest of noise..